Mobile terminal and method of setting alarm therein

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein are provided. The mobile terminal includes a controller, a display unit, and a memory unit. The controller controls the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode and sets an alarm at a selected time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the alarm time point. The controller also controls the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point. The display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point of each set alarm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/250,230, filed on Oct. 13, 2008, and claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0126040, filed on Dec. 6, 2007, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein that may enable easy setting of a plurality of alarms.

2. Discussion

Nowadays, due to the remarkable development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the use of various mobile terminals has rapidly increased and become widespread. Particularly, recent mobile terminals may include various new functions in addition to a communication function such as voice communication and a character messaging service. Examples of functions added to the mobile terminal may include an alarm function and a calculator function.

However, an alarm function in the mobile terminal may be difficult to use. Particularly, when setting a plurality of alarms, the mobile terminal may individually set each alarm and separately manage the set alarms. Accordingly, it may be difficult for the user of the mobile terminal to check the set alarms in a bundle. For example, it may be difficult for the user of the mobile terminal to determine whether an alarm is set in the mobile terminal for a specific date or a specific time point and to set an alarm according to the determination result.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein that may enable easy setting of a plurality of alarms.

Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

The present invention discloses a method of setting an alarm in a mobile terminal including displaying an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm setting screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode, setting an alarm at a first alarm time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the first time point, and releasing the alarm of a first alarm date in response to selection of the first alarm date.

The present invention also discloses a method of setting an alarm in a mobile terminal having a touch screen including displaying an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm setting screen being displayed on the touch screen in an alarm setting mode, setting an alarm at a first alarm time point of each alarm date in response to detection of a touch and a drop on the first alarm time point, and releasing the alarm of a first alarm date in response to a touch and a drop on the first alarm date.

The present invention also discloses a mobile terminal including a display unit, a controller, and a memory unit. The controller controls the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm setting screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode and sets an alarm at a first time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the first time point. The controller also controls the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point. The display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of the alarm date and alarm time point of the set alarm.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of setting an alarm according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3E, FIG. 3F, FIG. 3G, FIG. 3H, and FIG. 3I show examples of screens displayed in the method of setting an alarm of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of setting an alarm in a bundle in the method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of releasing an alarm in the method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of individually setting an alarm in the method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of inserting a memo in the method of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” another element or layer, it can be directly on or directly connected to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

In the following description, the term “alarm” indicates notification of a specific date or a specific time point in a mobile terminal. The term “alarm setting mode” indicates a mode of setting an alarm to occur at a specific date or a specific time point in the mobile terminal. The alarm may be a plurality of notifications set in a bundle to a plurality of specific dates, or may be individually set to each specific date. The term “alarm date” indicates at least one of an alarm date and an alarm day for which each alarm may be set in the mobile terminal. The term “alarm time point” indicates a time point for which each alarm may be set in the mobile terminal. The term “alarm image” indicates an image notifying that an alarm is set for a specific alarm date and alarm time point. Such an alarm image may be provided in various forms according to the setting of the mobile terminal.

The term “alarm setting screen” indicates a screen displayed in an alarm setting mode. In the alarm setting screen, alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction. In this case, on the alarm setting screen, for each alarm date arranged in the first direction, a highlighted area may extend in the second direction, and for each alarm time point arranged in the second direction, a highlighted area may extend in the first direction. Here, the extended area of the first direction and that of the second direction may intersect. Further, when a preset alarm exists, the mobile terminal may display an alarm image corresponding to the preset alarm on the alarm setting screen. In addition, the alarm setting screen may include ‘add’, ‘memo’, and ‘complete’ input options.

The term “touch” indicates an operation in which a user of the mobile terminal touches a touch screen thereof with a stylus or a finger. The term “drop” indicates an operation in which the user of the mobile terminal removes the stylus or finger touching the touch screen from the touch screen. The term “drag” indicates an operation in which the user of the mobile terminal moves the stylus or finger in a state where the finger continues to touch the touch screen.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the mobile terminal 100 is exemplified as a mobile phone.

Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 includes a radio frequency (RF) unit 110, a controller 120, a memory unit 130, an audio processor 140, a display unit 150, and a key input unit 160.

The RF unit 110 performs a wireless communication function of the mobile terminal 100. The RF unit 110 includes an RF transmitter to up-convert a frequency of a signal to be transmitted and amplify the signal, and an RF receiver to low-noise amplify a received signal and down-convert a frequency of the signal.

The controller 120 controls the general operations of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 120 includes a data processor including a transmitter to encode and modulate a signal to be transmitted and a receiver to demodulate and decode a received signal. The data processor includes a modem and a codec. The codec includes a data codec to process packet data and an audio codec to process an audio signal such as a voice.

The controller 120 controls the display unit 150 to display an alarm setting screen in which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction in an alarm setting mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. If an alarm time point is selected, the controller 120 sets an alarm at the selected alarm time point of each alarm date.

Alternatively, when an ‘add’ input option is selected, if an alarm date is selected, the controller 120 additionally sets an alarm at the selected alarm time point of the selected alarm date. In this case, the controller 120 controls the display unit 150 to display an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point of an alarm set according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Further, the controller 120 releases a preset alarm of the selected alarm date. In addition, when a ‘memo’ input option is selected, the controller 120 inserts a memo into the selected alarm.

The memory unit 130 includes a program memory and a data memory. The program memory stores programs to control general operations of the mobile terminal 100. The program memory stores programs to set an alarm according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The data memory stores data generated while performing programs. The memory unit 130 stores a preset alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point basis by the control of the controller 120.

The audio processor 140 reproduces an audio signal received from the audio codec of the data processor through a speaker SPK and transmits an audio signal generated in a microphone MIC to the audio codec of the data processor.

The display unit 150 displays user data output from the controller 120. The display unit 150 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit including an LCD controller, a memory to store image data, and an LCD display element. If the LCD unit is embodied as a touch screen, the display unit 150 may be operated as an input unit. In this case, the touch screen detects an operation such as a touch, a drop, and a drag from a change in a value of a physical characteristic, for example resistance and capacitance. The touch screen converts the change in the value of the physical characteristic to a touch signal.

The key input unit 160 includes keys to input numeral and character information and function keys to set various functions.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of setting an alarm according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3E, FIG. 3F, FIG. 3G, FIG. 3H, and FIG. 3I show examples of screens displayed in the method of setting an alarm of FIG. 2. FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3E, FIG. 3F, FIG. 3G, FIG. 3H, and FIG. 3I show a case where the display unit 150 of the mobile terminal is embodied as a touch screen. FIG. 3A shows a screen displayed in an alarm setting mode, FIG. 3B shows a screen displayed when an alarm time point is selected, FIG. 3C shows a screen displayed when an alarm date is selected, FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E show screens displayed when an alarm is added, FIG. 3F and FIG. 3G show screens displayed when a memo is inserted, FIG. 3H shows a screen displayed when another function is performed, and FIG. 3I shows a screen displayed when a request to terminate an alarm setting process is input.

Referring to FIG. 2, the controller 120 determines whether a request to execute an alarm setting mode is input (S211). If a request to execute an alarm setting mode is input, the controller 120 controls the display unit 150 to display an alarm setting screen (S213), as shown in FIG. 3A. In the example of FIG. 3A, the controller 120 arranges alarm dates in a horizontal first direction and alarm time points in a vertical second direction on the alarm setting screen.

The controller 120 determines whether a specific alarm time point is selected on the alarm setting screen (S215). If a specific alarm time point is selected on the alarm setting screen, the controller 120 sets an alarm in a bundle at the selected alarm time point (S217), as shown in FIG. 3B. That is, if a specific alarm time point is selected without selecting a specific alarm date, the controller 120 sets an alarm at the selected alarm time point for all alarm dates in a bundle.

When the display unit 150 is embodied as a touch screen, if a touch is detected on the touch screen when displaying the alarm setting screen, the controller 120 determines that an alarm time point of the touch position is selected.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of setting an alarm in a bundle at step S217 of the method of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, if a specific alarm time point is selected, the controller 120 sets an alarm at the selected alarm time point of each alarm date (S411). That is, the controller 120 sets an alarm in a bundle at an identical alarm time point of all alarm dates.

The controller 120 controls to display an alarm image at intersections of the selected alarm time point and each alarm date (S413), and the process returns to FIG. 2.

Although not shown in the screen example of FIG. 3B, when the display unit 150 is embodied as a touch screen, if a drop is detected at a touch position, the controller 120 performs steps S411 and S413. However, if a drop is not detected at a touch position, but rather a drag is detected from the touch position in the first direction, the controller 120 detects all alarm dates that are touched in the first direction of the drag path. Thereafter, the controller 120 is sets an alarm in a bundle at the selected alarm time point of each alarm date included in the drag. Further, the controller 120 controls the display unit 150 to display an alarm image at intersections of the selected alarm time points and the alarm dates included in the drag path, and the process returns to FIG. 2.

If a specific alarm time point is not selected on the alarm setting screen at step S215, the controller 120 determines whether a specific alarm date is selected on the alarm setting screen (S219). If a specific alarm date is selected on the alarm setting screen by a touch and drop, the controller 120 releases the alarm of the selected alarm date (S221), as shown in FIG. 3C. That is, if a specific alarm date is selected without selecting a specific alarm time point, the controller 120 releases the alarm of the selected alarm date.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of releasing an alarm at step S221 of the method of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, if a specific alarm date is selected, the controller 120 determines whether an alarm exists at the selected alarm date (S511).

If an alarm does not exist at the selected alarm date, the process returns to FIG. 2. If an alarm exists at the selected alarm date, the controller 120 releases the alarm of the selected alarm date (S513).

The controller 120 removes an alarm image displayed at a position corresponding to the selected alarm date (S515), and the process returns to FIG. 2.

If a specific alarm date is not selected at step 219, the controller 120 determines whether an ‘add’ input option is selected on the alarm setting screen (S223). If an ‘add’ input option is selected on the alarm setting screen, as shown in FIG. 3D, the controller 120 individually sets an additional alarm for a selected alarm time point and alarm date (S225), as is shown in FIG. 3E. That is, if an ‘add’ input option is selected without having selected a specific alarm time point at step 215 or an alarm date at step 223, the controller 120 individually sets an additional alarm.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of individually setting an alarm at step S225 of the method of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 6, after an ‘add’ input option is selected, the controller 120 determines whether a specific alarm date and alarm time point are selected (S611). If a specific alarm date and alarm time point are selected, the controller 120 sets an alarm at the selected alarm time point of the selected alarm date (S613). In this case, the alarm date and the alarm time point may be sequentially selected.

When the display unit 150 is embodied as a touch screen, if a touch is detected on the touch screen, the controller 120 detects a corresponding alarm date and alarm time point at the touch position and sets an alarm at the detected alarm time point of the detected alarm date.

The controller 120 controls the display unit 150 to display an alarm image at an intersection of the selected alarm date and alarm time point (S615), and the process returns to FIG. 2.

If an ‘add’ input option is not selected on the alarm setting screen at step 223, the controller 120 determines whether a ‘memo’ input option is selected on the alarm setting screen (S227). If a ‘memo’ input option is selected on the alarm setting screen, as shown in FIG. 3F, the controller 120 inserts a memo (S229), as shown in FIG. 3G. In this case, the controller 120 inserts a memo written to correspond to a specific alarm.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of inserting a memo of step S229 in the method of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7, after a ‘memo’ input option is selected, the controller 120 determines whether a specific alarm image is selected (S711). If a specific alarm image is selected, the controller 120 writes a memo according to input by a user (S713).

The controller 120 inserts the memo written to correspond to the selected alarm image (S715), and the process returns to FIG. 2.

If a ‘memo’ input option is not selected on the alarm setting screen at step S227, the controller 120 determines whether a request for another function is input on the alarm setting screen (S231). If a request for another function is input on the alarm setting screen, as shown in FIG. 3H, the controller 120 performs the corresponding function (S233). For example, the controller 120 may select which one of an audio signal, a text signal, and a vibration signal is to be used when a preset alarm is output. The controller 120 may select an alarm reproduction sound for an alarm, or may enlarge or reduce a predetermined area of the alarm setting screen to enable a user of the mobile terminal 100 to more easily select an alarm date or an alarm time point.

Alternatively, when the display unit 150 is embodied as a touch screen, if a sequential touch, drag, and drop action is detected at a specific alarm image, the controller 120 moves the alarm image to the drop position. That is, the controller 120 may change an alarm date or alarm time point.

The controller 120 determines whether a ‘complete’ input option is selected on the alarm setting screen (S235). If a ‘complete’ input option is selected on the alarm setting screen, as shown in FIG. 3I, the controller 120 terminates the alarm process. If a ‘complete’ input option is not selected on the alarm setting screen, the controller 120 repeatedly performs steps S213 to S233 until a ‘complete’ input option is selected.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when an alarm is set in the mobile terminal, a plurality of alarms may be easily set and released on a single screen. The mobile terminal may integrally manage preset alarms on the single screen. Thereby, a user of the mobile terminal may integrally check the preset alarms. Further, upon setting another alarm in the mobile terminal, checking of a preset alarm and setting of another alarm may be performed simultaneously.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of setting an alarm in a mobile terminal, comprising: displaying an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm setting screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode; setting an alarm at a first alarm time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the first alarm time point; and releasing the alarm of a first alarm date in response to selection of the first alarm date.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising setting an additional alarm at a second alarm time point of a second alarm date in response to selection of an ‘add’ input option from the alarm setting screen and selection of the second alarm time point and the second alarm date.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point corresponding to each alarm.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a memo into a selected alarm in response to selection of a ‘memo’ input option from the alarm setting screen and selection of the alarm.
 5. A method of setting an alarm in a mobile terminal having a touch screen, comprising: displaying an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction on the touch screen, the alarm setting screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode; setting an alarm at a first alarm time point of each alarm date in response to detection of a touch and a drop at the first alarm time point; and releasing the alarm of a first alarm date in response to detection of a touch and a drop at the first alarm date.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising setting an alarm at a second alarm time point of each alarm date, wherein setting the alarm at the second alarm time point comprises: detecting an alarm date positioned within a drag path, in response to a touch and drag in the first direction at the second alarm time point; and setting an alarm for the second alarm time point on each alarm date positioned within the drag path.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising detecting a second alarm date and a third alarm time point corresponding to a detected touch position on the touch screen in response to selection of an ‘add’ input option and selection of the third alarm time point and the second alarm date; and setting an additional alarm at the third alarm time point of the second alarm date.
 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising displaying an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point corresponding to each alarm.
 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising inserting a memo into a selected alarm in response to selection of a ‘memo’ input option from the alarm setting screen and selection of the alarm.
 10. A mobile terminal, comprising: a display unit; a memory unit; and a controller to control the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm setting screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode, to set an alarm at a first time point of each alarm date in response to selection the first alarm time point, and to control the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point, wherein the display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point corresponding to each alarm.
 11. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the controller releases a set alarm of a first alarm date in response to selection of the first alarm date on the alarm setting screen.
 12. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the alarm setting screen further displays an ‘add’ input option, and the controller sets an additional alarm at a selected second alarm time point of a selected second alarm date in response to selection of the ‘add’ input option and selection of the second alarm time point and the second alarm date.
 13. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the alarm setting screen further displays a ‘memo’ input option, and the controller inserts a memo into a selected alarm in response to selection of the ‘memo’ input option and selection of the alarm.
 14. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the display unit is a touch screen to detect at least one of a touch and drop and a touch and drag to select at least one of an alarm date and an alarm time point.
 15. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the controller detects an alarm date positioned within a drag path and sets an alarm at a selected second alarm time point of each alarm date positioned within the drag path in response to detection of a touch and drag in the first direction at the selected second alarm time point.
 16. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the alarm setting screen further displays an ‘add’ input option, and the controller detects a second alarm date and a second alarm time point corresponding to a detected touch position on the touch screen and sets an additional alarm at the second alarm time point of the second alarm date in response to selection of the ‘add’ input option and selection of the second alarm date and the second alarm time point. 